Full Breakdown
Navy Clinches Tie for American Athletic Conference Title with Victory Over Memphis
11/28/2025, 12:18:38 PM
Game Overview
On November 27, 2025, the Navy Midshipmen defeated the Memphis Tigers 28-17 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. This victory secured at least a tie for the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular-season title for Navy, improving their record to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Memphis concluded their season with an 8-4 overall record and a 4-4 conference record.
Key Performers
Navy's success was driven by quarterback Blake Horvath and running back Alex Tecza. Horvath completed 5 of 9 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 54 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Tecza led the ground game with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. For Memphis, quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns but struggled in the second half, contributing to the Tigers' inability to score more than 17 points.
Game Progression
The game featured a competitive first half, with both teams exchanging leads. Memphis initially took a 3-0 lead with a 31-yard field goal by Gianni Spetic. Navy responded with a touchdown from Horvath, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from Tecza, giving them a 14-10 lead. However, Memphis regained the lead at 17-14 with a touchdown pass from Lewis to Cortez Braham Jr. just before halftime.
In the second half, Navy regained control, scoring two touchdowns to secure the win. Tecza's 12-yard touchdown run put Navy ahead 21-17, and Horvath capped off the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 28-17.
Implications of the Win
Navy's victory not only clinched a tie for the AAC title but also positioned them favorably for the upcoming College Football Playoff discussions. With their final game against Army scheduled for December 13, Navy has the opportunity to secure the title outright depending on the outcomes of other conference games, particularly those involving North Texas and Tulane.
Criticism & Opposition
Memphis faced criticism for their performance, particularly in the second half where they failed to score. This marked the first time in four years that the Tigers did not score at least 20 points in a game, ending a streak of 51 consecutive games with 20 or more points. The loss was particularly disappointing for Memphis, which had entered November with an 8-1 record and aspirations for a College Football Playoff berth.
Official Statements & Responses
Navy's head coach Brian Newberry expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their resilience after previous losses to North Texas and Notre Dame. In contrast, Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining offensive momentum throughout the game.
What's Next
Navy will face Army in their final regular-season game, while Memphis will await their bowl game assignment after finishing the season with three consecutive losses. The outcomes of the upcoming games will determine the final standings and potential playoff implications for Navy and other AAC teams.
